The Cross Foxes wins Alastair Sawday’s guide award

The Cross Foxes at Brithdir, near Dolgellau has been honoured with an Alastair Sawday’s pub award for being an excellent inn with rooms.

The latest edition of Sawday’s much loved ‘Special Places Pubs and Inns of England & Wales’ comprises more than 900 of Britain’s very best pubs with just 12 selected to receive an award in one of four categories - authenticity, commitment to the community, local, seasonal and organic produce or pubs with rooms.

The four winners of the pubs with rooms award have demonstrated a passion for serving excellent food, beers and wines as well as offering a top notch bed for the night. Other winners in this category include The Beckford Arms at Tisbury and The Wheatsheaf Inn at Northleach.
“The Cross Foxes at Brithdir is a classy new-wave inn in the shadow of Cader Idris. Period features blend well with the eye-catching contemporary design and décor throughout the modern bar and super comfortable bedrooms, while the open kitchen delivers impeccable local fish and meat dishes. With over 900 pubs in the guide, winning is a terrific achievement for the hard-working landlords, landladies, chefs and staff!” said Sawday.

The Cross Foxes’ entry in the guide states: “Nicol and Dewi have worked wonders breathing new life into this stone built former farmhouse. A steel and glass entrance leads through to a modern bar where flagstones, exposed stonework and beams mingle with contemporary sofas, designer bar stools and sleek lighting.

“In summer, sup Purple Moose’s Snowdonia Ale on the terrace and gaze up at lofty Cadair Idris – a giant’s seat indeed. Food from the open kitchen comes with impeccable local credentials and the char-grill compliments the meats perfectly. What could be more local than Conwy mussels, leeks and cream followed by confit leg of Welsh lamb, rosemary and honey gravy, potatoes and seasonal vegetables?

“There are great Sunday roasts too, light bites and afternoon teas. Upstairs the comfort factor scales new heights as natural stone, beams and antiques blend with a crisp modernity; there are beds for dreaming in and mountain views through windows.

“Gorgeous bathrooms, with Thierry Mugler lotions and thick robes, soothe those who have stretched their muscles in the surrounding hills. A 15-minute drive brings you to delightful Barmouth and the coast.”

Sawday’s new Special Places Pubs and Inns of England & Wales is out now priced at £15.99. To buy a copy and for more information go to www.sawdays.co.uk